Day 1: Yacht Networking Drinks ExperienceÂ
Where Connections Begin
6 November 2026 | From 4:00pm | Dubai Marina HarbourÂ
The most valuable conversations often happen before the conference begins.Â
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Start your Outstanding Schools Dubai experience with an exclusive yacht reception, bringing together school and group leaders, speakers, sponsors and fellow delegates for an afternoon and evening on the water.Â
Away from the conference environment, enjoy drinks and canapés in a relaxed setting while meeting fellow education leaders, exchanging ideas and making new connections. It is an opportunity to start conversations that can continue throughout the weekend, before the main conference programme gets underway on Saturday.
Included with the Premium and Private Sector Plus Pass
Why Attend The Prelude?Â
Make Connections Before Conference DayÂ
Arrive at the conference having already met fellow school leaders, speakers and delegates. The Prelude provides a relaxed setting to make introductions and start conversations before the main conference programme begins.Â
Meet Fellow Education LeadersÂ
Connect with principals, heads of school, school group executives and other senior education leaders from across the UAE, GCC and beyond. Share experiences, exchange ideas and meet peers facing many of the same opportunities and challenges.Â
Start Conversations That ContinueÂ
With more time and fewer distractions than a busy conference day, The Prelude creates space for genuine conversation and new connections. Meet people on Friday afternoon, then continue those conversations throughout the Outstanding Schools weekend.Â
Experience Dubai from the WaterÂ
Begin the Outstanding Schools weekend in a memorable setting, enjoying drinks and canapés aboard a private yacht with Dubai as the backdrop. A relaxed afternoon and evening on the water provides the perfect setting to connect before the main conference begins the following morning.Â
Drinks & CanapésÂ
Enjoy drinks and canapés on board while meeting fellow delegates in a relaxed and informal setting.Â
What's IncludedÂ
Start the Outstanding Schools weekend in a relaxed setting, with time to meet fellow school leaders, speakers and delegates before the main conference begins.
Exclusive Networking ExperienceÂ
Meet school and group leaders, speakers and delegates, exchange ideas and start conversations that can continue throughout the weekend.Â
Dubai Marina SettingÂ
Enjoy an afternoon and evening on the water, with Dubai providing a memorable backdrop to the opening of Outstanding Schools 2026.
Who You'll MeetÂ
Global Speakers
01 / Leading Voices
Meet the visionaries defining the next decade of education in an intimate, informal setting.
Key Sponsors & PartnersÂ
02 / Innovation Partners
Connect with organisations supporting innovation and growth across the education sector.
Executive Delegates
03 / Senior Leadership
Build relationships with senior decision-makers from leading international schools and education groups.Â
School Leaders
04 / School Leadership
Network with principals, headteachers, directors of education and executive leadership teams from across the region.Â
Start Your Outstanding Schools Experience on the WaterÂ
LIMITED CAPACITY
Join fellow school leaders, speakers and delegates for an exclusive afternoon and evening of networking on Dubai Marina.
6 November 2026 | From 4:00pm | Dubai Marina HarbourÂ
Premium Pass or Private Sector Plus Pass required. Limited places available.Â